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Jim’s parents struggled with their own demons of drugs and alcohol, often neglecting his simple needs when he was a child. He ran away from home at age 15, choosing to fend for himself on the city streets instead of trying to survive their bad choices at home.
As an adult, he has been committed to his family and has helped to create a loving and joyful home for his partner, Tanja, of 23 years, and their two daughters, Summer and Sayla, and grandson, August. The past 10 years have been the most trying as he has struggled with his mounting health issues. He learned he had Hepatitis C which the doctors speculated he contracted as a teenager while being homeless. Hep C quietly destroyed his liver until the outward symptoms portrayed its existence. Since learning about his Hep C he has also come to terms with his alcoholism and is now living a clean and sober life.
At age 46, he is now enjoying his family, garden, and woodworking as much as his health will permit. He is now in end-stage liver and kidney disease, and he is waiting for a new liver and kidney. Jim remains hopeful because he is still young and has much life left to live.
Jim has many committed family and friends because he is a kind and generous soul. Jim is the first to pull over and help a stranded motorist and he is always looking for ways he can help his friends and family. He is a kind person who would share his final meal with someone who is hungry, even if there is nothing left for him to eat. He would walk barefoot if it meant that someone in need had shoes to wear.
His kindness and generosity are an inspiration to all who know him, and his joy and laughter help brighten the world. Jim now needs some of your kindness to help him cover the substantial cost of living in Seattle for 6 weeks when he is blessed with a new liver and kidney.
Thank you for your generous support and help for this deserving man as he fights for his new life beyond the transplant.
Family and friends of Jim Pirtle are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Jim has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
After a 13-hour surgery, Jim has been given a new chance in life with a new liver and kidney. The transplant team are very happy with his progress at this point. His new organs are already working in his body and it is a miracle. He is in a lot of pain but this is totally understandable. The doctors explained he will have good and bad days but this is all a part of the process of recovery. We are now looking ahead to our future and preparing for our long term stay here in Seattle. Our goal is to find housing nearby with limited stairs and a full kitchen so we can prepare meals at home. We are overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude for all the kind messages of love and support we have received.
Jim went into surgery this morning and the skilled doctors and nurses at Swedish are working hard on his liver and kidney transplant. We are beyond grateful to all our family, friends, doctors, nurses and especially to the donor and his family. We know that this an amazing gift that comes with a giant sacrifice. Our prayers and wishes have been answered.
Jim got the call today and is now at Swedish First Hill Medical in Seattle. It came as a shock because we didn't expect the call so quickly but we are feeling incredibly thankful for this blessing of a new liver and kidney. He is going through the long list of tests and tasks to prepare him for his surgery tomorrow morning. He is feeling anxious but is filled with gratitude. He is also maintaining his trademark sense of humor.
Jim has recently received a new diagnosis. The doctors found some shunting during his most recent echocardiogram and have determined that he has developed Hepatopulmonary Syndrome. This condition causes low blood oxygen levels and we’ve purchased a pulse oximeter so we can begin monitoring his oxygen levels daily.
Thankfully he is not experiencing any obvious symptoms of low oxygen yet but the doctors caution that he may eventually need home oxygen. The result of this new diagnosis is that Jim’s MELD score has jumped from 22 to 27, moving him higher on the list for transplant. MELD scores go from 6 to 40 which is critically ill so we are mindful that though this means he may be closer to a transplant, he is also progressively growing more ill.
Jim continues to stay as active as his energy levels allow and is trying very hard to keep a positive attitude. Thank you so much for your support.
Jim is finally on the transplant list and we are so thankful. He continues to go to his dialysis twice a week and he also struggles with regular bouts of confusion caused by Hepatic Encephalopathy.
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♥️
Trish Sellars
Sending you both my love and prayer!!
Tiffany Press
Sending you and Jim all the love and prayers!!
Kat Klisiak
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, Jim and Tanja.
Paulette & Matt Tryon
Sending warm thoughts and hoped for quick and peaceful healing
Ellyn Parker
Lots of love and prayers to you guys! you got this Jim! Shelby
shelby Richardson
Love you Jim, we are praying for you here!
Alan Adkins
Sending all my good wishes for the surgery and a big hug to you both!
Jenni Wiltz
Sending you lots of love!!
Amber Alberts
good luck and prayers for Jim...
Mike Woods
Prayers for all!
Candi Brundage
Keeping you both in my prayers!! Sending much love and a big hug!
Mary Ellen Meteer
Good luck Jim! You got this!
Joshua H
Sending all the good vibes your way for a smooth procedure!
Amber Harder
Praying God’s peace and overflowing provision for you and your family as you walk through this. You are loved.
Oriana Stevens
I love you Jim. ((({♥️})))
Olsen Debi
Soldier on mighty warrior!!
Kindl Shaffer
It was so good to see you the other day at Aaron's place! I have been thinking about you lately and now I understand why. Will be hoping for the best for you and your family and hope to see you again soon!
Jason Forney
We're beyond excited for you! All of you!
Theresa and Gary Pellham
We are sending you and your family light and love.
John Schomer
Love you, cousin!
Jennifer Adkins-grossman
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of James Allen Pirtle
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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